Calverley Grounds fundraiser to lead Tree of Hope team

Kate was one of the driving forces behind the successful campaign to raise £225,000 in less than a year for the Calverley Adventure Grounds project.

This remarkable fundraising effort has ensured that a bespoke playground will be built in the park, providing the town centre with an innovative and much-needed play area for young children.

Working with schools, community groups, local businesses and over 50 volunteers, Kate and her team reached the ambitious target with 24 hours to spare last month.

The charity, which is based in Tonbridge, supports the families of more than 800 seriously ill and disabled children across the country who need specialist medical treatment, therapy and equipment.

Kate said: “It is a real honour to join Tree of Hope’s dedicated team. With the charity entering its 25th year at the end of 2017, the appointments of Ross Wilson and Claire Cashmore as patrons and so many events planned for 2017 already, I couldn’t be more excited to fundraise for such an inspirational charity which empowers the families of children and young people with a disability or illness to get the treatment they need to transform their lives.”

One of her first fundraising ventures will be the Tree of Hope Golf Day and dinner at Nizels Golf and Country Club in Hildenborough on July 6.

Gill Gibb, Chief Executive of Tree of Hope, added: “I would like to welcome Kate to our family at Tree of Hope. She has great experience in fundraising, especially in the local communit,y and the determination to succeed. 2017 is going to be a busy year for the charity and Kate has definitely hit the ground running.”

Tree of Hope raises funds to source specialist equipment, treatment and procedures for the children which are not available through the UK healthcare system. Last year the charity raised more than £2million in total.